Johannesburg -South Africa's Kevin Anderson has achieved a pre-season goal by reaching the world's top ten.
The new ATP rankings release late Sunday puts Anderson two places higher than his previous career high number 12 ranking at number 10.
This achievement was after a stellar season which saw Anderson win the ATP Winston-Salem Open, reach the finals of the Memphis and Aegon Championships (Queens) and reach a further two ATP semi-final berths.
Anderson became the top-ranked male South African player on 10 March 2008 after making the final at the 2008 Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas. He first achieved his career-high ranking of World No. 12 on September 14.
Anderson has said that the top 10 in the world rankings felt within his grasp after reaching the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.
Anderson recorded a surprise four-set victory over Andy Murray to reach the last eight at the US Open, and the South African has admitted that he gave himself the chance to achieve what he calls a lifelong dream.
“Top 10 has been a lifelong dream for me. I felt after the US Open l was getting closer - even top five, I think that's ultimately where I want to be,” the 29-year-old said.
“So we try to structure and think that way. Obviously it was a lot of tennis and a lot of wins to get there, but I feel like I've definitely been on a good run and gave myself the best opportunity to get there.” - ANA